Overview

Elsholtzia stauntonii is a perennial herb in the genus Elsholtzia, part of the Q53476 family. Elsholtzia stauntonii grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained soil soils. Suggested uses include herb garden and aromatic borders. It is native to N China.

About

Elsholtzia stauntonii is a perennial herb noted for its aromatic foliage. Native to northern China, it suits positions in full sun or partial shade and prefers well-drained soil kept at moderate moisture. It produces flowers from July to September. Place it where the scent of the leaves can be appreciated, for example in an herb garden or scented border.

About the genus

Elsholtzia is a plant genus in the Lamiaceae. It is widespread across much of temperate and tropical Asia from Siberia south to China, Northeastern India, Indonesia, etc.

In the garden

Elsholtzia stauntonii is a perennial herb from northern China grown primarily for its scented foliage; it flowers between July and September. The plant's aroma comes from the leaves rather than any dominant floral display, so the foliage is the key feature to plan around. Give the plant a sunny spot or some light afternoon shade and plant in soil that drains freely while retaining moderate moisture. Avoid waterlogged ground. Routine maintenance is straightforward: tidy stems after the flowering period to encourage fresh growth and to keep the plant neat in a mixed herb or border setting. It works well in dedicated herb gardens and aromatic borders, and it responds well to being placed near paths, seating or doorways where the leaf scent is noticed when brushed. Use it alongside other sun-tolerant herbaceous perennials to form a scented edge; the foliage is most effective when leaves are gently rubbed or handled, releasing the plant's characteristic fragrance.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Elsholtzia

Sunlight

full sun, partial shade

Soil type

well-drained soil

Soil moisture

moderate

Plant details

Elsholtzia stauntonii size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

perennial herb

Suggested uses

herb garden, aromatic borders

Native to

N China

Fragrance

Foliage

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Elsholtzia stauntonii

Cultivation

Prefers well-drained soil and a sunny position; drought tolerant once established.

Pruning

Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushiness.

Propagation

seed, cuttings

Frequently asked questions